The spectre of New Zealand looms over the Diamonds in the quest for the highest netball honours at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The Silver Ferns remain Australia's fiercest rivals and emotions still run deep over narrow losses to the Kiwis in the past two gold medal deciders at the Games.

But captain Laura Geitz, who was on the bench in Delhi four years ago, took some positives out of the experience.

"I'm actually glad that we've been through that," she said.

"We really had to rise above everything that was thrown at us ... we definitely don't want to be in that position again."

It is the one down side of an international record that is second to none.

The Diamonds have won the only other two Commonwealth Games gold medals contested, and have been world champions in 10 of the 13 times that title has been up for grabs.

They also beat their Trans-Tasman rivals 4-1 in their most recent series, which was marred by allegations levelled at both camps of overly physical play.

It is an issue the Diamonds veteran Renae Hallinan plays down.

"Both teams give as good as they get," Hallinan said.

"It's more of a challenge if you are double teamed bringing that ball down the court, and it means someone must be free."

Coach Lisa Alexander is quick to play down suggestions the Silver Ferns were foxing.

"Look, I don't think you do play around with that sort of thing at international level," Alexander said.

"I think we had a true indication of where we were sitting, and yes New Zealand will go back and do lots of homework and we know that they will come out a lot stronger in the Commonwealth Games."

Diamonds seek lessons from All Blacks

The Australian coach has also looked to New Zealand for inspiration, from its best known sporting product.

She has spent time among the All Blacks, for a glimpse at the makings of a successful team.

"I very much admire obviously the All Blacks system, and I've tried to look at that and what we can do to make our system stronger," Alexander said.

One idea she might have picked up is a favourite of All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

Every other player in this team has a role and if they do that role to the absolute best of their ability, then we are unstoppable.

Australian Diamonds captain Laura Geitz

He divides responses to stressful situations into two categories. People in the red category become agitated and make poor and rushed decisions.

Those in the blue category remain ice-cool amid volcanic activity and remain in a state of preparedness. The trick is to steer players into a blue state.

Alexander is confident her team will handle the pressure ahead well, and holds her charges in the highest regard.

"They're all just normal girls, at the end of the day, who have all their foibles, and ... insecurities as much as anybody else, but when they get out on that court they understand and their heart bleeds for Australia," she said.

For Geitz, the past 12 months is the period she has enjoyed most of her six years in the national side.

"I myself love the pressure and love the challenge and when it's tough that's when you know you get the absolute best out of yourself and everyone around you," Geitz said.

And she is confident that provided she gets total commitment, a gold medal is there for the taking.

"Every other player in this team has a role and if they do that role to the absolute best of their ability, then we are unstoppable," she said.

"Everyone's aware of that and when we do that properly we know that we will win that gold medal."

Of course, there's no guarantee the team will make the final. The second round clash against England looms as a danger game, particularly as England put an end to a losing history against the Diamonds early last year.

Their 3-0 victory was the first whitewash of a Diamonds team in a dozen years. The final game was on Australia Day.

Fourth-ranked Jamaica is also ranked by observers as capable of causing an upset.